Warrnambool sporting identities going a few rounds to raise money for Bryn Murfett

WORLD title contender Sam Soliman and local boxing champs will take to the ring to raise money for Bryn Murfett.

Solimon will spar 12 rounds against some of Warrnambool’s sporting identities in next month’s Box 4Bryn fund-raiser.

Dennington football coach Darcy Lewis, Merrivale recruit Joe Woonton, Flying Horse publican Matt Monk and Detective Sergeant Lee Porter from Warrnambool police will see how many rounds they can last against Solimon.

Prior to the event Solimon will be in Warrnambool training with Rodney Ryan from Rudy’s Boxing for a week.

Ryan said six Australian female boxing champions would also fight it out along with Warrnambool’s Luci Hand, the 54kg state champion, and Bianca Slate, last year’s 57kg state championship runner-up.

Money raised will help Warrnambool’s Bryn Murfett with his rehabilitation from paralysis caused by an overseas road accident.

Ryan said each year a similar fund-raiser had been held and they wanted to host something that would have an immediate impact on someone’s life.

“We also wanted to help someone who’s into their fitness, and we know Bryn liked his boxing,” he said.

Ryan said Lewis, Porter and Monk had all been having weekly training sessions in the lead-up to the February 2 event.

“They’ll go a few rounds, they’ll get a work-out,” he said.

“It’s a good opportunity for Warrnambool to see class fighters.

“We’re encouraging everyone to have a great day. Every cent raised goes to Bryn.”

The 4Bryn appeal aims to raise $100,000 to help Mr Murfett recover from serious injuries suffered when he was involved in a road accident in Thailand last August.

The 29-year-old has incomplete paraplegia with a severely damaged spinal cord and has no feeling from the waist down.

Presently confined to a wheelchair, he wants to build upon the uncontrolled spasms in his legs that indicate messages are trying to get through from his brain and spine.